Kazakhstan’s parliament has approved a bill introducing a new type of military service in the form of reserve duty, aimed at enhancing the country’s defense capabilities. This initiative is expected to bolster the military’s readiness by training specialists in key areas, expediting mobilization processes, and increasing overall combat efficiency.
The new legislation introduces a status for “military reservists,” who will be equated with active servicemen during training camps and exercises. The recruitment of reserve forces is set to begin in 2025, marking the start of a program modeled on successful practices implemented in other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and beyond. The move aligns with Kazakhstan’s defensive strategy to maintain an army capable of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Reserve Force Details
In the initial phase, the Ministry of Defense plans to enlist approximately 2,000 reservists from across the country, with future adjustments based on military needs. The service will be voluntary, requiring recruits to meet medical and age criteria: officers may serve up to the age of 60, while sergeants and soldiers can serve up to 50.
Reservists will undergo training at military units in their local areas. The training program will be funded by the state budget. During 30-day training camps, participants will receive payments equivalent to their average monthly salary, while routine training sessions will guarantee them at least the minimum wage.
Comprehensive Legal Reforms
To accommodate the introduction of reserve service, the new bill includes about 100 amendments across six legal codes and 14 laws. A new chapter on reserve service will be added to the law “On Military Service and Status of Servicemen” to regulate the selection process, rights, duties, and specific conditions of reservists’ service.
Under the new framework, reservists will be classified as servicemen and will be subject to military criminal law, similar to active-duty personnel. Amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure will incorporate the unified term “serviceman” for both active and reserve military personnel.
Social Support for Reservists
The law also outlines measures for the social support of reservists, including provisions for payments, insurance contributions, and pensions. These benefits are designed to incentivize participation in the reserve service while ensuring financial security for those who enlist.
A Voluntary System for National Defense
The new reserve service will be exclusively voluntary, open to adult citizens of Kazakhstan who meet the necessary requirements. By offering training opportunities close to home and guaranteeing compensation for participants, the program seeks to attract skilled and motivated individuals to contribute to national defense.
Strengthening Defense Readiness
Kazakhstan’s decision to introduce reserve military service reflects a strategic commitment to bolstering its armed forces while remaining consistent with its defensive posture. By creating a robust pool of trained reservists, the nation is taking a proactive step toward ensuring its sovereignty and readiness in the face of potential challenges.
The program’s success will depend on careful implementation and sustained support, but it represents a significant milestone in Kazakhstan’s approach to modernizing its military.
